George Gibson Carey IV ’55

Gibby was born Nov. 1, 1933, in Baltimore to a larger-than-life adventuring father and society mother. A raconteur and consummate storyteller, Gibby was profoundly influenced by his own father’s storytelling.

His love of angling led to many trout. At Princeton, his love of the English language in literature led him to majoring in English and honing his skills as a storyteller in the style of the masters he adored: Dickens, Thurber, Saki, and Conan-Doyle.

Gibby gave his heart fast and true to Anna Kirwan Steck. He spent the rest of his life celebrating with her, adventuring with her, supporting her career, and possibly most importantly keeping her “dry and warm.” Gibby loved his farm in Mount Carmel, Ohio, as if it were a fifth child. He loved the literary club in Cincinnati; he loved his church, fly-fishing, bacon, and Easter egg hunts. He loved splitting wood and making cider, and he loved every opportunity to be with family and friends.

Toward the end of service in the 82nd Airborne in the Army, Gibby noticed an advertisement asking, “What are you going to do, young man, when you get out of the Army? Procter & Gamble has a fine job for you.” He remained a loyal and passionate part of the company and retired 37 years later.

Gibby was fond of saying, “Good things don’t happen in life by magic. They happen when good people roll up their sleeves and get to work.” These were more than words for Gibby, who was most passionate about the Cincinnati Opera and the Cincinnati Free Store Food Bank.

Gibby died at his home. He was 85. Gibby is survived by his wife of 65 years, Anna; three children; eight grandchildren; and 20 or so chickens.